Mar 11, 2013

The One Good Thing by Kevin Alan Milne

For as long as Halley Steen has known her husband Nathan, he has carried a handful of stones in his pocket. Each day he uses those stones to remind him to follow the Golden Rule, moving a stone from one pocket to the other with each act of kindness. So it's not unusual that Nathan stops to help a stranger on the side of the highway while on his way to his son's football game one Friday evening. But that one act will change all of their lives forever, when a car hydroplanes off the road, killing Nathan instantly.

As Halley and her children Ty and Alice struggle with their grief, Nathan's spiritual legacy lives on. A Facebook page appears, where countless stories about Nathan's selfless acts are shared. But among them is one that stands out, from a woman who says that Nathan saved her life. Neither Halley nor her children have ever heard of Madeline Zuckerman. But soon Halley discovers years of e-mails from this woman to her husband on his computer that refer to "our little girl." How could her husband have kept the secret of this other child for their entire marriage? Why had he lied to her? Was he not the man she thought he was?

Only thirteen-year-old Alice maintains unwavering faith in her father. She knows there's an explanation. When she sets out to find Madeline and learn the truth, she will start to unravel the complex story of The One Good Thing Nathan Steen did that had the greatest impact of all.

I love a story that inspires and challenges me personally. The One Good Thing by Kevin Alan Milne is that kind of book, and it's definitely at the top of my all time favourites.

The story revolves around a family struggling to come to terms with a deep personal loss, and in the midst of their grief they are confronted with a mystery that could destroy everything that they always believed was true.

When push comes to shove, family loyalty and trust is tested to the limit. Almost everyone believes the worst of their father, son and husband. That is ... all except for Nathan's teenage daughter. She had unwavering faith and trust that her Dad was exactly who he had always appeared, and she adamantly refused to believe what others were saying about him.

I love the cover of this book, and I love the concept of Nathan carrying the stones in his pocket every single day to remind himself to follow the Golden Rule.

I have read several other books written by Kevin Alan Milne, and this one does not disappoint. I honestly can't pick a favourite, as they are all exceptional. For a really good story of faith, forgiveness and compassion for others, I highly recommend this one.

To win a copy of this great book, go to my giveaway post - giveaway ends March 27.

Disclaimer: Copy of this book was received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.